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ABC News

Health

My house has been flooded, what's the first thing I need to do? Here are the do's and don'ts of the big clean-up

Flood BoM

We all know the saying: if it's flooded, forget it.

But the dangers don't end when the flood waters recede.

The damage it leaves behind is sometimes obvious, but it's what you can't see that can be just as dangerous: water contamination, exposed power lines, gas leaks and more.

Here are some of the do's and don'ts in the immediate aftermath of a flood.

What should I do after my house has been flooded?

If you have been evacuated or are staying with friends or family, do not return home until you know it's safe.

Wait until your local council has declared the area safe. They will provide direction about when residents can return.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it would "take a while" for floodwaters to recede in some areas.

Once you're given the all-clear, you should be aware of the risks of possible injury, illness or disease when you enter a flood-affected property.

Be cautious upon entering flood-affected areas

It may look like it's "just water", but there's a lot more lurking in those murky depths.

Polluted flood waters can cause wounds, infections, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis as well as ear, nose and throat infections.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself:

Wear protective clothing: Sturdy, rubber boots, loose, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or leather gloves, face masks and eye protection
Keep children and pets away from your property until the clean-up is complete
Wash your hands frequently with soap or with an alcohol-based hand cleanser
Keep air circulation going: Open the windows to let outside air in.

And here's what you should remember as you enter:

Move around slowly
Carry a torch as you inspect for damage
Watch for loose floor boards, holes in the floor, protruding nails, and sagging ceiling areas that may be ready to fall
Wet plaster is heavy and dangerous — if loose, use a broom stick or any other long-handled device to break it down
Do not smoke or use open flames, as escaping gas may have collected in pockets of the building
Also keep a look out for other flood “victims”, such as snakes and spiders.

Check with your electricity, gas and water authorities

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says to check with electricity, gas and water authorities to determine whether supplies to your area have been interrupted and whether they are safe to be turned on by you.

If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater — or are damaged in any way — switch them off and have them inspected by a qualified electrician before use.

Once your property is secured, document everything

Before you begin cleaning up, there's one thing to do: Take photos and videos of damaged areas and items.

These will be used as evidence for when you make your insurance claim.

You should also:

Make a list of damaged or destroyed items and any information about the date of purchase, model and make
Photograph and/or list floorings or other furnishings which will have to be discarded
Collect receipts, warranties and/or credit card/bank statements showing your purchases.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says that, if anything can be salvaged, put it to one side in a dry place until the insurance assessor arrives.

Rotten food, damaged furnishings and furniture should be thrown out.

Can I drink the tap water?

BOM says to wait until the normal water supply has been declared safe by health authorities.

Municipal water systems, as well as private sources, are subject to flood contamination, and health officers should certify water sources as fit for consumption.

Before using or drinking water:

Check with your local council that your water supply is safe
Run the taps for a few minutes to remove any contaminated water inside the tap
Thoroughly clean taps and their parts with hot water and detergent
Apply a mild disinfectant to the taps and their parts
Rinse, reassemble the tap, and run the water for a few minutes before use.

If you are still unsure of the quality of the water, use bottled water.

What about the food in my house?

Some food may not be safe to eat, especially if power has been cut or if food has been in contact with contaminated floodwater.

BOM says to dispose of any food if:

It was refrigerated and has been left above 5°C for more than four hours
The freezer has been disconnected for 24 hours and thawing has occurred
Canned or packaged food is damaged
It has been in direct contact with flood water.

What about mould?

Garry Carroll — director of the Australian Cleaning and Restoration Academy — says the amount of mould depends on the home, the water exposure and the humidity.

"Mould can start [growing] from 48 hours sometimes, if it’s got the right conditions," he said.

So, while there might not be mould a day or two after heavy rain, a change in conditions can accelerate growth.

What to do:

When safe, start drying out your property — remove carpets, mattresses and other wet furniture
Check behind fridges and cupboards as well as wall and floor cavities, where mould or mildew could develop
If something is wet with flood water and cannot be cleaned, throw it away.

Let's sum things up — what are the do's and don'ts after a flood?

Do:

Listen to radio or television for information and news updates
Turn off utilities at the main switches if instructed to do so
To prevent sewage backups, put sandbags in the toilet and obstructions on drain holes
Move all inhabitants and pets to safe locations
Help neighbours when possible but avoid walking through floodwaters.